Rod Builds
Kiley - Granger 7 ft (3/2) from Dennis Stone blank (completed 3-23)
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Steve Kiley was a 1980's - 2015 West Linn, Oregon builder who created his own rod designs based on those of respected makers, including Dickerson & Gillum. He was a consummate craftsman, always developing new techniques & tweaking his rod designs. He was a key assistant to Roger White in producing the long standing Metolius Bamboo Rod & Flyfishing Fair.
Kiley completed over 300 finished rods, & in later years was contracted by Orvis to build their blanks. Sadly, Steve passed in 2016 and is sorely missed by the many who knew him & treasured his friendship. 
Cork grip duplicated Granger's early "coke bottle grip", using Flor grade rings. Reel seat is original screw-lock Granger seat, repurposed for this rod. Winding check is also original Granger check. Guide spacing was taken directly from original Granger 7033.
This Kiley-Granger blank was built by Dennis Stone following Kiley's design, using the taper of Granger's original 7033 (2/2) model adapted to fit a 3 pc configuration. A cursory check of the rod against an original 7033 bears this out. Caliper measurements of both rods confirmed an almost identical taper in the butt section, w/ flat to flat measurements altered from 10 to 15/1000th's throughout mid section. Final tip diameters were almost identical, 0.070" (under varnish).
Rod was finished out at Bamboo Rod Works for Newberg, Oregon fly fisherman & writer Brett Tallman. |
Gorgeous dark blank was ammonia treated & flamed by Dennis Stone; vintage red silk color-preserved wraps complement the dark cane. Winding check is original Granger check, & grip is mild coke bottle shape. Hand brushed light coats of spar varnish protect the cane, w/o thick build up or additional weight.
Ferrules are Classic Sporting Enterprises step-down style, designed by Bailey Wood. Stripper is hard chromed Mildrum style. Snake guides are vintage old stock, blackened, following original Granger design.
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Test Casting (4-4-23)
A sunny April afternoon found me test casting the rod on grass. Using a DT5F ('406' brand, true to weight) the 7 ft Kiley Granger was found to be a light but authoritative medium 'dry fly' action rod. Casts from 15 to 50 ft were done w/ little effort (w/o shooting), & reserve power was available for longer casts where needed.
A sunny April afternoon found me test casting the rod on grass. Using a DT5F ('406' brand, true to weight) the 7 ft Kiley Granger was found to be a light but authoritative medium 'dry fly' action rod. Casts from 15 to 50 ft were done w/ little effort (w/o shooting), & reserve power was available for longer casts where needed.